Practical Guidelines for Managing Patients With Psoriasis on Biologics: An Update

Abstract

The paradigm for treating inflammatory diseases has shifted dramatically in the past 10 to 20 years with the discovery of targeted therapeutics or “biologic” agents. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis, among others, are reaping the benefits of decades of bench to bedside research, allowing them to live more productive lives with less side effects than traditional systemic therapies. Despite these advances, many physicians unfamiliar with biologics are left to care for the basic needs of these patients and may be unaware of the multisystem comorbidities associated with psoriasis and the screening, monitoring, and other special considerations required of biologics patients. This can be overwhelming to primary care physicians and inadvertently expose patients to undue risks. The aim of this review is to provide a practical approach for all health care providers caring for patients with psoriasis being treated with biologics to facilitate communication with their treating dermatologist and ultimately provide patients with more comprehensive care.